Kenya’s proposal to dispatch police officers to Haiti has drawn mixed reactions as officials in the
Caribbean nation welcome the offer while human rights groups express concerns over potential
implications.
Human rights groups say that this move could exacerbate the situation due to Kenya’s police force’s
poor human rights record.
Haiti’s Prime Minister, Ariel Henry, sought international assistance from the United Nations last
year as gangs gained control over significant portions of the nation, plunging it into chaos with
violent street battles.
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The offer from Kenya, pledging to deploy 1,000 police officers to aid in training, restoring normalcy,
and protecting vital installations, received positive responses from Canada, the United States, and
the UN Secretary-General.
Human Rights Watch has reported instances of Kenyan riot police beating protesters and using
excessive force during Covid-19 curfews, with insufficient accountability for these grave rights
violations.
Local groups have claimed that as many as 30 individuals were killed by the police in July during
protests against the high cost of living, while forced disappearances have also been alleged.
(The Guardian)
